Hello parents,Even though it may be difficult to know what day of the week it is, much less the date on the calendar, this Sunday is Mother’s Day! A special day first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 to honor the love and care that mothers provide their families. Now more than ever, moms (and parents in general) are multitasking to the extreme with homeschooling and childcare, while many times holding down a full or part-time job. Mothers seem to manage this incredibly, but often sacrificing themselves and their sanity. Mothers deserve our eternal gratitude for their perseverance and love. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” (Proverbs 31:28-31) For a video with one of my favorite things, adorable kids, talking about their moms, click here.

Here is another video from The Skit Guys called “Mom Goggles”. Any parent can appreciate this… click here.

This website offers numerous games, crafts, skits, and activities centered around Mother’s Day that you can download for free. Some may be fun to do with your kids this week.

I pray that you might be able to relax a little bit this weekend doing something that you enjoy…taking a walk, a bath, having a moment of silence. God bless you for the love and care that you give to your families.

Pastor Derek will be offering an online (Zoom) Bible Study of the Gospel of John during the month of May. These studies are open to all church folks, who want to participate – even if you can’t participate in all the sessions. Join when you’re able and don’t feel guilty when you’re not able.

The conversations will be casual, and nobody will be forced to speak if they’re not comfortable.

Additionally, if you need assistance logging onto Zoom, contact Pastor Derek at the church office, and he will be happy to help you get connected.

Beginning next week, Friday operations for Aurora Family Assistance will be moved to the Leighton Elementary School parking lot to better accommodate the growing number of households we are helping. Last Friday, we served29 households (83 people). This week we are preparing that this number will almost double! We are grateful that Giant Eagle in Bainbridge has worked with us so we can pre-order the quantity of milk and eggs. We are also working with some other local sources for the best pricing on healthy food choices for the households we are helping.

As a reminder, here are some ways you can help: Donate to the TCIA Community Relief Fund (100% of your money will be used to help others)Support our local food pantry (Volunteers of America). You may drop off grocery items at their 1063 N. Aurora Road location. They tell us they need: paper towels, canned beef ravioli, coffee, condiments and boxed scalloped or au gratin potatoes. Donate toiletry items to the church – things like toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, toilet paper, handsoap, body soap, shampoo/ conditioner, etc.Get the word out. If you know someone who would benefit from assistance, please point them in our direction. We’d be happy to try to help.